I’m incredibly excited about the new release from Death. It’s a remastering and debut of some of their recordings made in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Their last releases on Drag City have been really great. I’m hoping you’ll be hearing of lot of this record on KZSC in the next few weeks! Here’s a great song from their last release.

Gary, Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs is set to release his fourth collaborative project on March 18 with critically acclaimed producer Madlib, known primarily for his work with MF DOOM (Madvillainy) and J Dilla (Jaylib). Freddie Gibbs was originally signed to Young Jeezy’s label CTE World in 2011, but due to contract disputes Gibbs left CTE and started his own label called ESGN last year. Their previous 3 EPs Thuggin‘, Shame, and Deeper, have shown Freddie Gibbs talent to rap over Madlib’s unorthodox style of production. With Piñata, we can expect more of Gangsta Gibbs’ street-inspired rhymes.

Kevin Gates – By Any Means (Bread Winners’ Association)

Kevin Gates will be following up a very successful 2013 with his new mixtape By Any Means, set to release March 18. The Louisiana rapper’s 2013 releases Luca Brasi Story and Stranger Than Fiction showcased his ability to incorporate the Southern rap style popularized by Master P and T.I., with very well-thought out lyricism. Kevin Gates has found much popularity in his home state, but has yet to fully break into the national spotlight. Perhaps By Any Means will be the release to change that.

Future – Honest (Epic/Freebandz)

Future has gone from being a one hit wonder to one of the biggest names in the rap industry today. He kills the hook game. Following up his 2012 debut, Pluto, the self-described “Astronaut Kid” looks to bring more extra-terrestrial sounding, infectious rhymes on Honest, set to drop April 22. Future has already taken advantage of the rising fame by starting his own label called Freebandz, on which has signed several up and coming rappers. Future is the cousin of Rico Wade, member of Organized Noize, the producers behind countless hits by Goodie Mob, TLC, and Outkast. So it is no surprise to see a rare Andre 3000 verse featured on this. Honest also includes guest appearances by Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and Freebandz affiliates Young Scooter and Casino. You can play the video game accompanying his new single “Move That Dope” at MoveThatDoh.com.